On Sunday, November 2, Baltimore County residents may bring household hazardous waste items to a one-day collection event scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Western Acceptance Facility, located at 3310 Transway Road, off the 4500 block of Hollins Ferry Road in Halethorpe.
Materials Collected
Baltimore County residents may bring the following materials:
* paints
* motor oil
* antifreeze
* gasoline
* cleaning solvents,
* pesticides
* herbicides
* fertilizers
* swimming pool chemicals
* rechargeable batteries
* mercury thermometers
* fluorescent light bulbs
* fireworks
* ammunition
* other household hazardous wastes
Representatives from the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management (DEPRM) will be on hand to accept and process the chemicals and distribute educational materials.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Halloween Safety Tips Pt. II
Don’t Be Afraid of Halloween
Just Be Aware
You don’t need to be scared of the ghosts and goblins that come to your house this Halloween, just cautious. The Baltimore County Police Department suggests a few precautions this year before you open your door.
It may seem easier to leave your front door open with only the storm door closed, but please don’t. Storm doors were not meant to act as deterrents to thieves and robbers. Keep your main door locked and don’t open it until you’ve looked through a window or the door’s peephole. Open your door to only those children and adults you know and recognize.
The Department advises trick-or-treaters to be aware of their surroundings as well. Visit only those neighbors who are familiar to you. Remind children not to eat goodies before they get home. When they do arrive home, parents need to check the contents of their children’s bags. Look for such things as unwrapped candy, loose pieces of candy, and fruit. When checking candy wrappers, look for unusual markings or bumps and bulges. These could be signs of tampering. Throw away all unwrapped goodies. If something appears suspicious, err on the side of caution and get rid of it.
Some other suggestions:
· Adults should accompany young children, and older kids should travel in groups.
· Obey all traffic laws. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible and cross at crosswalks or corners. Never cross between parked cars.
· Do not go into any vehicles or homes while trick-or-treating. Wait outside for treats.
· Respect other people’s property. Don’t destroy it.
· Stay in your own neighborhood.
Parents, make sure masks have large holes for the eyes. It is easy for little ones to trip and fall on a dark night. If possible, use make-up instead of a mask. Give children flashlights to carry with them. Flashlights or battery-powered Halloween torches or lamps enable them to see better. It also makes it easier for others, especially motorists, to see them.
Baltimore County Police hope everyone will have a safe and fun Halloween.
Just Be Aware
You don’t need to be scared of the ghosts and goblins that come to your house this Halloween, just cautious. The Baltimore County Police Department suggests a few precautions this year before you open your door.
It may seem easier to leave your front door open with only the storm door closed, but please don’t. Storm doors were not meant to act as deterrents to thieves and robbers. Keep your main door locked and don’t open it until you’ve looked through a window or the door’s peephole. Open your door to only those children and adults you know and recognize.
The Department advises trick-or-treaters to be aware of their surroundings as well. Visit only those neighbors who are familiar to you. Remind children not to eat goodies before they get home. When they do arrive home, parents need to check the contents of their children’s bags. Look for such things as unwrapped candy, loose pieces of candy, and fruit. When checking candy wrappers, look for unusual markings or bumps and bulges. These could be signs of tampering. Throw away all unwrapped goodies. If something appears suspicious, err on the side of caution and get rid of it.
Some other suggestions:
· Adults should accompany young children, and older kids should travel in groups.
· Obey all traffic laws. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible and cross at crosswalks or corners. Never cross between parked cars.
· Do not go into any vehicles or homes while trick-or-treating. Wait outside for treats.
· Respect other people’s property. Don’t destroy it.
· Stay in your own neighborhood.
Parents, make sure masks have large holes for the eyes. It is easy for little ones to trip and fall on a dark night. If possible, use make-up instead of a mask. Give children flashlights to carry with them. Flashlights or battery-powered Halloween torches or lamps enable them to see better. It also makes it easier for others, especially motorists, to see them.
Baltimore County Police hope everyone will have a safe and fun Halloween.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Halloween Safety Tips Pt. I
The county police have issued some safety tips for Halloween and the night before (a.k.a. vandalism night). Here is the first installment:
Take Away the Fun of “Moving Night”
Take Precautions
Baltimore’s tradition of “Moving Night,” October 30, is not something that everyone cherishes. For those not familiar with the term “Moving Night,” it began years ago as a series of pranks, but it is now just another reason for thieves to steal outdoor furniture and anything else that isn’t nailed down. Don’t become a statistic, play it safe and follow a few easy steps.
· Leave all outside lights on overnight. Check and replace all burned out bulbs. Remember that the sun sets earlier now.
· Trim back all shrubs and trees for maximum visibility for inside and outside viewing.
· Place all outdoor furniture, barbecue grills and other outdoor items in a locked garage, shed or basement. If these are not viable options, use a chain and lock and attach it to a fence, pole or railing.
· Network with neighbors. Keep an eye on each other’s property. It is easier to keep track on neighborhood activities if there are more eyes keeping watch.
· Contact the local Citizens on Patrol group. Ask if there are some special plans for this evening. You might be able to assist the group by watching for any strange activity that might occur on your street.
· Let the local precinct know of any suspicious or criminal activities from years past that might affect your street this year.
· Call 911 if you see anything suspicious or anyone acting suspicious. When you talk to the dispatcher, explain why you think the activity looks strange. Remember that a group of teenagers is not always looking for trouble.
· Lock all vehicles and remove all valuables.
Take Away the Fun of “Moving Night”
Take Precautions
Baltimore’s tradition of “Moving Night,” October 30, is not something that everyone cherishes. For those not familiar with the term “Moving Night,” it began years ago as a series of pranks, but it is now just another reason for thieves to steal outdoor furniture and anything else that isn’t nailed down. Don’t become a statistic, play it safe and follow a few easy steps.
· Leave all outside lights on overnight. Check and replace all burned out bulbs. Remember that the sun sets earlier now.
· Trim back all shrubs and trees for maximum visibility for inside and outside viewing.
· Place all outdoor furniture, barbecue grills and other outdoor items in a locked garage, shed or basement. If these are not viable options, use a chain and lock and attach it to a fence, pole or railing.
· Network with neighbors. Keep an eye on each other’s property. It is easier to keep track on neighborhood activities if there are more eyes keeping watch.
· Contact the local Citizens on Patrol group. Ask if there are some special plans for this evening. You might be able to assist the group by watching for any strange activity that might occur on your street.
· Let the local precinct know of any suspicious or criminal activities from years past that might affect your street this year.
· Call 911 if you see anything suspicious or anyone acting suspicious. When you talk to the dispatcher, explain why you think the activity looks strange. Remember that a group of teenagers is not always looking for trouble.
· Lock all vehicles and remove all valuables.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
No Bulk Trash Pickup
We've had some ongoing occurrences of people leaving bulk items out for trash pickup. Baltimore County does not ever do bulk trash pickup. Why we do not have this service is beyond the blogger's realm of knowledge, but it probably has something to do with taxes and limited landfill space. Anyhow, you have to take that stuff to the dump or give it away. Try Freecycle or Craigslist.
Please, please don't make us look at broken electronics, old shelves, and rusty metal thingies left out on the curb for weeks on end. It most definitely detracts from the historic and natural ambiance of Oella.
Please, please don't make us look at broken electronics, old shelves, and rusty metal thingies left out on the curb for weeks on end. It most definitely detracts from the historic and natural ambiance of Oella.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Riverside trimming--opinions requested
There have been some recent requests to trim back the growth along the riverside of Oella Ave and behind Long Brick Row to restore a river view. Much of this growth includes invasive vines and weeds, but there are also some native plants peeking through.
A county Dept. of Environmental Protection expert who toured Oella emphasized that the forest buffer is crucial to the health of the waterway, but that trimming is okay as long as a couple of feet (height) of vegetation is left to provide a sufficient buffer.
The river view used to be trimmed yearly, but the practice was stopped several years ago.
What do you think? Trim or no trim? Please post a comment or e-mail laueram@yahoo.com.
A county Dept. of Environmental Protection expert who toured Oella emphasized that the forest buffer is crucial to the health of the waterway, but that trimming is okay as long as a couple of feet (height) of vegetation is left to provide a sufficient buffer.
The river view used to be trimmed yearly, but the practice was stopped several years ago.
What do you think? Trim or no trim? Please post a comment or e-mail laueram@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
2009 Board of Directors Election: Request for Nominees
The annual meeting of members is fast approaching (Dec 8, 2008, 7pm Westchester Center), and with it comes the election of board members. Please consider serving your community in this capacity. Submit nominations to board@oellahoa.com.
Critters in the garbage
Please note that you are responsible for cleaning up your trash if critters invade your garbage can. The trash collectors will not pick up un-bagged garbage, and your neighbors probably don't want to either. The best defense is to keep your trash bags in a tightly lidded plastic garbage can.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Long Brick Row Outhouse
An outhouse that was slated for demolition has been salvaged from Granite Hill and relocated to the Long Brick Row common area after receiving the proper approvals. It looks rough now, but it will be cleaned, placed on a base, repaired, painted, and surrounded by flowers shortly. It is not currently in it's final position. It will be moved back from the drive behind 3 pine trees and barely visible from the road. It will be moved once the cement base has been built (work on that had to be temporarily delayed due to a situation). The work is being done by volunteers, so please bear with us. It will be beautiful soon!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Voter registration deadline Oct 14
As more and more political candidate signs pop up around the neighborhood, I thought I'd provide some useful information for our residents regarding voting.
The voter registration deadline is fast approaching. To check if you are registered or to download an application, click on the link above (Maryland Board of Elections).
Our polling place is Catonsville Middle School, 2301 Edmondson Avenue 21228. Polling places are open from 7am to 8 pm on election day (Nov.4).
The voter registration deadline is fast approaching. To check if you are registered or to download an application, click on the link above (Maryland Board of Elections).
Our polling place is Catonsville Middle School, 2301 Edmondson Avenue 21228. Polling places are open from 7am to 8 pm on election day (Nov.4).
Friday, October 03, 2008
Paws for Fall party
Baltimore Pet Pals presents Paws for Fall, an afternoon of great food, fun, music, and friends to benefit Spay Maryland, a new donor-subsidized spay/neuter clinic serving the Baltimore metropolitan area and greater Maryland. October 18th, 1 to 5 pm, at 425 Oella Avenue, Catonsville, MD (next to the Country Store). Tickets $20 per person, $35 per couple; children under 12 are free. Raffle tickets $1 each, must be present to win.
Raffle prizes include Longaberger basket packages, microchip implantation for your dog or cat, petsitting by Baltimore Pet Pals, and more!
ö Catered food, music by Rule #76, fun Fall games for kids and adults!
ö Tree climbing by Touch the Sky Tree Climbing (additional fee).
ö Tour Spay Maryland’s newly-renovated veterinary hospital, and see where they’ll be helping thousands of Baltimore-area dogs, cats, and other animals in the years to come!
To purchase tickets, print out this email, fill out the form below, and return with payment by mail to Spay Maryland (423 Oella Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228) or directly to a member of Baltimore Pet Pals. We can accept cash or personal checks; sorry, no credit cards. Your tickets will be mailed to you immediately upon receipt of your payment. Tickets are limited for this event!
Info: SpayMaryland@sheltervet.com 410-747-6560
Raffle prizes include Longaberger basket packages, microchip implantation for your dog or cat, petsitting by Baltimore Pet Pals, and more!
ö Catered food, music by Rule #76, fun Fall games for kids and adults!
ö Tree climbing by Touch the Sky Tree Climbing (additional fee).
ö Tour Spay Maryland’s newly-renovated veterinary hospital, and see where they’ll be helping thousands of Baltimore-area dogs, cats, and other animals in the years to come!
To purchase tickets, print out this email, fill out the form below, and return with payment by mail to Spay Maryland (423 Oella Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228) or directly to a member of Baltimore Pet Pals. We can accept cash or personal checks; sorry, no credit cards. Your tickets will be mailed to you immediately upon receipt of your payment. Tickets are limited for this event!
Info: SpayMaryland@sheltervet.com 410-747-6560
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Oella Bicentennial Fall Festival Oct 11th 11am-4pm
Come to Banneker Park on Oella Ave. from 11am-4pm to celebrate Oella's bicentennial. There will be arts & crafts, picnicking, pony rides, a pig roast, booths for local businesses, baked goods, foods, live music, children's games, and awards.
Sponsored by GOCA, Banneker park & museum, and Baltco Dept. of Rec. & Parks
Sponsored by GOCA, Banneker park & museum, and Baltco Dept. of Rec. & Parks
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